THE AGROECOLOGY OF A CUCURBIT-BASED INTERCROPPING SYSTEM IN THE YEGUARE VALLEY OF HONDURAS

The success of mixed cropping systems in nematode management is determ ined not only by the associated plant's ability to decrease numbers of phytoparasitic nematodes, but also on the ability of the target crop to compete successfully for nutrients and light. Field studies were co nducted to investigate the effects of a legume/cucurbit intercrop and a marigold/cucurbit intercrop on the ecology of the system in terms of nematode root galling, soil nutrient concentrations, energy allocatio n, yield, and economic profitability. The intercrop systems were less productive and less profitable than monocultures, although no differen ces in energy allocation, soil nutrients, or root galling were observe d. As it is likely that competition between the cucurbits and associat ed plants decreased the productivity of the mixed cropping systems, pl ants used in nematode suppressive intercrops should be chosen for thei r compatibility with the host crop.